Project Tower 26.

[varrius]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/Own.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/002-9.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/004-6.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/007-3.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/016-2.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/019-2.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/008-2.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/009-3.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/004-4.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/001-12.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/002-10.jpg
More to come. Awaiting parts.

[[XC] NetburstXE]

Subscribed :yepp::yepp:

[Cptn Vortex]

Holy poo. That looks like it is going to be massive....

[teko]

Whats up with 3 barbs on the pump? And looks interresting so far :)

[varrius]

This is the reason for the three compression fittings.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/Dangerden.jpg
It will have no res.

[Loser777]

Where do you put the Hard drives in the specialty DD cases?

[Polizei]

Where do you put the Hard drives in the specialty DD cases?

Look above the IO shield.

[Loser777]

Awesome, It was kinda hard to see in the demo pic.

I didn't know companies made specialty cases just to fit rads (other than MM).
I thought the COSMOS S was the closest thing there was.

[Razor_Blade]

What is the build quality like on this case. I have always shied away from acrylic cases due to worrying about structural failure.

[Fragger]

What is the build quality like on this case. I have always shied away from acrylic cases due to worrying about structural failure.

My god, just what do you do with your case? ;)

Ive had one for years and nothing has ever failed on it but then it just sits on my desk looking pretty :yepp:

[varrius]

What is the build quality like on this case. I have always shied away from acrylic cases due to worrying about structural failure.

It's pretty strong, man. However, when you do any drilling or cutting you need to be very cautious, or you will crack it. Also, it comes completely unassembled. So, if you're not down with assembling your case it's not for you.

At any rate, it's an awesome design. I love how the 480GTX just goes right in without any cutting or drilling.

[varrius]

Razor, if you're thinking about purchasing one, keep in mind, they will do custom etching for you, etc. I kept mine simple and just got a DD logo in the bottom right. But you can have just about anything etched on it.

[DarthBeavis]

3/8 acrylic...extemely strong.

[varrius]

3/8 acrylic...extemely strong.

Don't say that until it has passed the sledge hammer, steamroller, and themonuclear detonation tests.

[varrius]

What is the build quality like on this case. I have always shied away from acrylic cases due to worrying about structural failure.

For those of you that use their towers for chairs, it will likely hold a 250lb man. I don't know how it will hold up if you jump on it too often, though.

[Razor_Blade]

LOL @ responses. I might try one out in the near future.

[HaCKs]

I was one of the first with the tower 21, the build quality is pretty damn good. I am very happy with it, mine is made for a 360mm rad, unlike his tower 26 made for a 480. I am very happy with the way it all came together, and very happy with danger den's support as they helped me with some of the custom work cutting and etching I had done in mine.

[Loser777]

Do these cases work with swiftech rads too? They only list Thermochill or Blackice rads.

[varrius]

If the swiftech radiator has the same hole spacing, yes. However, you could always note to them when you have it built.

Darthbeavis told me, if they can't do it, you could send them the swiftech rad, if they don't have one on hand.

[varrius]

Here's some pictures of one of the DD owners Tower 26.

It gives you an idea of how much space is left with push/pull.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7104/dd4wq4.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dd4wq4.jpg)
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5117/dd1ou9.th.jpg (http://img237.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dd1ou9.jpg)

[DarthBeavis]

Here's some pictures of one of the DD owners Tower 26.

It gives you an idea of how much space is left with push/pull.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7104/dd4wq4.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dd4wq4.jpg)
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5117/dd1ou9.th.jpg (http://img237.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dd1ou9.jpg)

Danger Den does not have owners . . .they have pwners . . .

[varrius]

DB, are you attempting to Hijack my thread??!

[DarthBeavis]

DB, are you attempting to Hijack my thread??!

I did not attempt . . .I did ;) :clap:

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8562/threadhijacklive2a3834fll5.jpg

[Razor_Blade]

Durka Durka.

[varrius]

Update:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/004-7.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/003-9.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/002-11.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/001-13.jpg

[Mankz_91]

MC-TDX, nice.

[varrius]

MC-TDX, nice.

Ty.

[HaCKs]

I Have the same block!

I have a question though, why did you chose the Tower-26 for an ATX motherboard? That case is big enough for a 1200W psu, a skulltrail mobo, a dvd drive, four hard drives, and a push pull on a GTX480, and yet you're planning a much smaller motherboard?

Not that it matters, it looks amazing and it was a great choice, but are you planning something with the extra space?

[varrius]

I Have the same block!

I have a question though, why did you chose the Tower-26 for an ATX motherboard? That case is big enough for a 1200W psu, a skulltrail mobo, a dvd drive, four hard drives, and a push pull on a GTX480, and yet you're planning a much smaller motherboard?

Not that it matters, it looks amazing and it was a great choice, but are you planning something with the extra space?

I prefer 790i, QX9770, and two 9800GX2s over Skulltrail. I'm not a fan of FB-DIMMs.

Further, the case isn't as big as you think. It's like a Lian-Li V2000. Aside of that, I will likely be using five of my Raptor Xs.

Also, I use a Silverstone Zeus 1200 watt PSU.

Finally, my main reasonings for getting the case was to have the 480GTX mounted internally without modifying the case.

[HaCKs]

Well that makes sense, I guess the next question is, why five raptors?

Mu tower-21 is great, but I HATE the way the hard drives mount, I perfer the system they did in the tower-26's instead of just screwing a hard drive into one side of the case (ew)

[varrius]

Well that makes sense, I guess the next question is, why five raptors?

I like the 10,000 RPM drives, the bling the "clear" cover offers, and I like a considerable amount of space.

I've considered only using two Raptor Xs and positioning them so they were flat against the side-panel, so, you could see them operate. And then complement them with Samsung F1 1TB drives for storage.

[HaCKs]

Thats what I meant, I love my raptor's, but five? I have two raid-0 and a 1TB for storage.

[varrius]

Thats what I meant, I love my raptor's, but five? I have two raid-0 and a 1TB for storage.

I just took a look at your thread. How are your temps with that setup? Nice job, btw.

One more thing, is that FeserOne coolant?

[HaCKs]

Yes it is feser coolant, and I love it. I think it could be brighter under UV, but it looks beautiful so I can't complain.

I spent last weekend at a lan party.... in a friends garage.... in southern california.... You can image in was pretty hot in there, and with only three stealth fans on a black ice pro, while playing world in conflict and COD4 for hours and hours on end, the temps never got over 45C, I was very impressed to say the least, and now I have a GTX360 and six higher CFM yate loons to install on this never ending project, so temps should be even better, with your GTX480 you should be JUST fine.

P.S idle temps in my air conditioned apartment is about 30-32 on all four cores of CPU, 32GPU1 30GPU2

[varrius]

Yes it is feser coolant, and I love it. I think it could be brighter under UV, but it looks beautiful so I can't complain.

I spent last weekend at a lan party.... in a friends garage.... in southern california.... You can image in was pretty hot in there, and with only three stealth fans on a black ice pro, while playing world in conflict and COD4 for hours and hours on end, the temps never got over 45C, I was very impressed to say the least, and now I have a GTX360 and six higher CFM yate loons to install on this never ending project, so temps should be even better, with your GTX480 you should be JUST fine.

P.S idle temps in my air conditioned apartment is about 30-32 on all four cores of CPU, 32GPU1 30GPU2

If you update your video cards do you think you will need an additional loop? Like, if you go with a 9800GX2, for example.

[HaCKs]

Well I actually have three 9800 GTX's still sitting in their boxes, and just waiting on danger den to finalize their blocks for them (waiting for weeks now) and I plan on trying to stick with the loop I have now. If the temps skyrocket I will be upgrading to your case (with a few modifications by DD).

But I think a GTX360 with yate loons push-pull can handle a quad core and 3video cards. I don't plan on overclocking the GPU's and the quad core is a mild 3.6GHZ overclock for 24/7.

[varrius]

Well I actually have three 9800 GTX's still sitting in their boxes, and just waiting on danger den to finalize their blocks for them (waiting for weeks now) and I plan on trying to stick with the loop I have now. If the temps skyrocket I will be upgrading to your case (with a few modifications by DD).

But I think a GTX360 with yate loons push-pull can handle a quad core and 3video cards. I don't plan on overclocking the GPU's and the quad core is a mild 3.6GHZ overclock for 24/7.

Even a 480GTX would likely have trouble cooling three 9800s and a quad.

[DarthBeavis]

The DD Skulltrail Tower 26 rigs use one BI GTX 480 to cool two QX9775s, the NB, and either two 8800 Ultras or two 3870 X2s depending on which rig you look at. Their temps were good.

[varrius]

The DD Skulltrail Tower 26 rigs use one BI GTX 480 to cool two QX9775s, the NB, and either two 8800 Ultras or two 3870 X2s depending on which rig you look at. Their temps were good.

Wow, that's surprising. The ultras run even hotter, so, that's even more of an amazement.

[HaCKs]

A lot of people around here like to make you think that you need a three loop system or it won't work, its just not true. My black ice PRO with stealth fans works perfectly on two g92's and an overclocked QX9650, I am sure your GTX480 will do just fine with one quad core and two cards.

[DarthBeavis]

A lot of people around here like to make you think that you need a three loop system or it won't work, its just not true. My black ice PRO with stealth fans works perfectly on two g92's and an overclocked QX9650, I am sure your GTX480 will do just fine with one quad core and two cards.


I do three loops for e-penix maxing . . .

[HaCKs]

Well yes, it does improve your e-peen, and for only an extra $600-800 it is an inexpensive way to lower your temps by 3-6C!

</sarcasm>

[DarthBeavis]

Well yes, it does improve your e-peen, and for only an extra $600-800 it is an inexpensive way to lower your temps by 3-6C!

</sarcasm>

Some of us build for looks as well as performance ;)

[rip[tor]

Here is the 50 dollar question, seems like you got the money so why didn't you go with that cheapo water block instead of the EK Supreme or anyother ?

[DarthBeavis]

Here is the 50 dollar question, seems like you got the money so why didn't you go with that cheapo water block instead of the EK Supreme or anyother ?

Cheapo block?
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=172970&highlight=Mc-tdx

http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/img/DangerDen-MC-TDX-10-PressureDrop2.png

Do you know anything about waterblocks?

[Pedalmonkey]

thats flow, and yes in a big loop like urs thats good, but the new XSPC Edge beats that in flow and outperforms even some nozzeled fuzions. you could have spent some more money on a better block for better temps even if it cost you a few tenths of a GPM, which wouldnt do anything to ur temps.

[Razor_Blade]

I have used both the EK-Supreme and the MC-TDX and found that I had better temps with the DD block. How, you ask? It comes down to flow. The 1 :banana::banana::banana::banana:ty pump I had hooked to the Supreme could barely get water moving. Going to a low restriction block dropped my average temps by 3C.

Ninja Edit: Thats not to say that the supreme is bad, it just needs a higher pressure system to work well.

[HaCKs]

I have the MC-TDX as well, and I am VERY happy with the temps.

[septim]

so final summary is: good blocks with good pumps recommended...

[varrius]

Here is the 50 dollar question, seems like you got the money so why didn't you go with that cheapo water block instead of the EK Supreme or anyother ?

It wasn't the money I cared about. I bought what people who know their stuff told me to get. ( DarthBeavis ).

[Baleful]

It wasn't the money I cared about. I bought what people who know their stuff told me to get. ( DarthBeavis ).

That block is fine, don't worry about it. It might not perform as well as a few others, but what's a few C?

[varrius]

That block is fine, don't worry about it. It might not perform as well as a few others, but what's a few C?

Which do you recommend?

[HaCKs]

Yeah I agree with looks, that is important, to me just as important as performance! I was saying that it is not required, and a GTX480 should be fine for his system, especially with good fans should work with a quad core and two 3870X2's since it worked in danger dens quad core cooling the same cards and two qx9775 and the NB

[DarthBeavis]

Yeah I agree with looks, that is important, to me just as important as performance! I was saying that it is not required, and a GTX480 should be fine for his system, especially with good fans should work with a quad core and two 3870X2's since it worked in danger dens quad core cooling the same cards and two qx9775 and the NB

Just giving you a hard time bro ;) We agree . . .

As for the CPU block question . . .on occasion we get lame anti this company or that company fan bois (yes I know you guys can call me a DD fan boi but then I can show you my builds with a combination of DD/EK/BlastFlow/MIPS etc on them). rip[tor, like few others here, just mindlessly rips good products because they are not this brand or that (EK in this instance). When I recommend I give a range of vendors like EK, DD, D-tek and even the latest Koolance stuff.

We don't have temp tests back that I know of . . .but we do have the test I quoted from Martin. I am not saying what block is best . . .I am saying the one he is using is up there regardless. Combined with a 480 rad and good fans for that rad (Yate Loon high speed fans) he will be good to go. I advised him on the entire build. He has a nice matching set of cooling hardware that compliments his case (made by Danger Den . . .sorry rip[tor . . .I know he should have ordered an EK waterbox . . .).

Actually . . .Eddy . . .if you read this, ignore the case comment . . .you have insane skills . . .I don't think the world could handle EK cases and DD cases . . .and I do love your products so PLEASE do not think I am dissing them. I am just get so sick of mindless bashing just like I would get pissed if someone bashed your stuff without merit.

[varrius]

Update: :cool:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/006-5.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/005-7.jpg

[HaCKs]

Let me know how those ac ryan cathods work, I have four of them sitting in the boxes still and have not had time to isntal them. I hope they shine as bright as claimed.

[varrius]

Let me know how those ac ryan cathods work, I have four of them sitting in the boxes still and have not had time to isntal them. I hope they shine as bright as claimed.

Will do, but, you could just test them if you have a power supply around.

Take a small piece of insulated wire, splice the ends, stick each end in the motherboard connector on the power supply.

With the clip facing upwards on the plug, place the wire ends in slots 4 and 5, and the PSU will come to life.

[HaCKs]

I know :-)
I just don't want to take them out of the box yet, too lazy.

[varrius]

[QUOTE=HaCKs;2994439]I know :-)
I just don't want to take them out of the box yet, too lazy.[/QUOTE

Lol? Is it really that hard?

[Anemone]

Love the case. I'm still left thinking "almost" on it though, but to me I'd like 5 intakes for a triple/dual rad two loop operation and room for 3 drive bays. Yeah I know that would make it beastly tall, but that's just me.

It's a lovely build, looking forward to watching this one.

[varrius]

Love the case. I'm still left thinking "almost" on it though, but to me I'd like 5 intakes for a triple/dual rad two loop operation and room for 3 drive bays. Yeah I know that would make it beastly tall, but that's just me.

It's a lovely build, looking forward to watching this one.

It sounds like you need something from Mountainmods.

Thanks for the support. :up:

[aspire.comptech]

I have used both the EK-Supreme and the MC-TDX and found that I had better temps with the DD block. How, you ask? It comes down to flow. The 1 :banana::banana::banana::banana:ty pump I had hooked to the Supreme could barely get water moving. Going to a low restriction block dropped my average temps by 3C.

Ninja Edit: Thats not to say that the supreme is bad, it just needs a higher pressure system to work well.

The small amount of flow rate variation between a block like the mc-tdx and the EK Supreme is almost negligible provided your not using a low end db-1 or mag pump.

[Anemone]

Actually I'm thinking rather seriously of having DD build me a custom Tower model. If DB can get it done, no reason others can't request it and see. The pricing doesn't scare me and I like the tower design better than the MM cases, as well as the acrylic.

Thinking about 3-4" of greater depth (front to back), but a lot taller. Tall enough to fit a triple and a dual in the front and 3 drive bays above it (so yes, quite tall). Would also like to have the PSU back at the top again, but I'd be willing to compromise on that one just because of the weight balance issue, but the heat of a psu is often best vented straight at the top. Then for the rear portion I'd make it fit about 8-9 drives, above the mobo, much where the current model has the 4 drive rack. The then empty space below the mobo, where the psu is on the tower 26, would then go to pumps and supporting water equipment. Make the front out of smoke acrylic, sides clear, rear clear, lower and top panels out of the same medium dark red or med dark blue, much like the tower 26 photos, and the mobo tray out of something lighter but in the same vein, blue or red.

It would fit right alongside a desk and with no side fans it could sit flush with the desk and have a stunning front to rear airflow passing through the rads. The dual 120 could cool gpu's and chipsets and the triple could cool the Nehalem 1x or 2x (if Skulltrail).

Time to go back to sleep, I must be dreaming :)

[DarthBeavis]

Actually I'm thinking rather seriously of having DD build me a custom Tower model. If DB can get it done, no reason others can't request it and see. The pricing doesn't scare me and I like the tower design better than the MM cases, as well as the acrylic.

Thinking about 3-4" of greater depth (front to back), but a lot taller. Tall enough to fit a triple and a dual in the front and 3 drive bays above it (so yes, quite tall). Would also like to have the PSU back at the top again, but I'd be willing to compromise on that one just because of the weight balance issue, but the heat of a psu is often best vented straight at the top. Then for the rear portion I'd make it fit about 8-9 drives, above the mobo, much where the current model has the 4 drive rack. The then empty space below the mobo, where the psu is on the tower 26, would then go to pumps and supporting water equipment. Make the front out of smoke acrylic, sides clear, rear clear, lower and top panels out of the same medium dark red or med dark blue, much like the tower 26 photos, and the mobo tray out of something lighter but in the same vein, blue or red.

It would fit right alongside a desk and with no side fans it could sit flush with the desk and have a stunning front to rear airflow passing through the rads. The dual 120 could cool gpu's and chipsets and the triple could cool the Nehalem 1x or 2x (if Skulltrail).

Time to go back to sleep, I must be dreaming :)


Side panels can only be smoke or clear . . .dark red or blue not likely as they only use it for non-retail cases (not normal stocked acrylic).I will be glad to help if you need it.

[disruptfam]

that pump top looks great

[varrius]

Update:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/004-8.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/001-15.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/007-5.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/006-6.jpg
ASUS over did it with the thermal.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/009-6.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/010-5.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/011-3.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/013-2.jpg

I'm still waiting on Mosfet Blocks.

And just for fun, Age of Conan DX10. =)
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/DX10.jpg

[varrius]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/014-2.jpg

[varrius]

Update: Mosfet blocks arrived!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/003-11.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/001-16.jpg

[HaCKs]

Looking really good! How much did debbi charge you for that etching?

[DarthBeavis]

Looking really good! How much did debbi charge you for that etching?

lol . . .Varrius and his Jedi mind trick

[Unoid]

i WANNA play AOC!

[varrius]

Looking really good! How much did debbi charge you for that etching?

Lol. It's not etching. It's an applique.

http://www.shadowmajik.com/Qstore/Qstore.cgi

I got it from them. Also, they have little dome case badges. Uncommon ones. I like them, dunno about you. For example, Core 2 Extreme, Asus, etc.

[varrius]

i WANNA play AOC!

If you don't have it, let me know, I have buddy keys.

[varrius]

Update: These are HEAVY.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/003-12.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/002-14.jpg

[HaCKs]

gx2 blocks? Who made them?

[varrius]

gx2 blocks? Who made them?

EK made them.

[HaCKs]

ahh, they're beautiful.

I am guessing you already know this, but have fun with the install! I have heard a lot of horror stories getting those GX2's apart.

[varrius]

Another pic:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f231/holliclark/005-9.jpg

[varrius]

ahh, they're beautiful.

I am guessing you already know this, but have fun with the install! I have heard a lot of horror stories getting those GX2's apart.

Yeah, I've heard it's difficult, too. No horror stories, just frustration stories on my end.

[HaCKs]

Any more updated? I want to see this thing completed!

[nsidious]

looking good so far:up: keep us updated;)

[silverphoenix]

test them CCFL's for me then lol I don't have any AC ryan CCFL's but I want to know how bright they are compared to regular ones.

[Madness]

what nb/sb/mosfet blocks are you using? i'm looking to do a similar water loop on me s2e platform. thanks. :)

sexy build. :up:

[Coity]

Look better with the case on the 9800, have a look :)

[HaCKs]

He has not posted in a month or so :-( I really want to see more pictures of this build as I myself have a tower case!

[Coity]

have loads of pictures, but cant get them to attch as they are over 200kb.
anyone know how to make the fit ?

[septim]

is it me, or is his mc tdx upside down...

nice gear pal. keep the pictures coming...

[HaCKs]

have loads of pictures, but cant get them to attch as they are over 200kb.
anyone know how to make the fit ?

Don't attach them, use flickr or photobucket or another site to host the images and link to them here.